Two-Part Forceps Drive Bar for Simpler Jaw Actuation Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forceps designs are complex and costly to manufacture, with limited space for other components due to the need for preassembled drive bar parts, which complicates the design and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified drive bar design using two substantially identical plates that snap into slots on the inner shaft, allowing for easier assembly and maximizing space for other components, with a drive pin translating along cam slots to open and close the jaws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional preassembled drive bar design is used, then the structural integrity and functionality are maintained, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive bar is divided into two separate drive bar struts that are not preassembled together. Each strut independently couples to the inner shaft, eliminating the need for preassembly and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed coupling design.
2Reliability
If a traditional preassembled drive bar design is used, then the drive mechanism functions properly, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive bar is segmented into two independent struts that couple separately to the inner shaft, eliminating preassembly requirements and reducing manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The two drive bar struts are designed to be substantially identical, allowing the same component to serve multiple functions and simplifying the manufacturing process through component standardization.
3Reliability
If a traditional drive bar design is used, then the drive function is achieved, but the available space for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the drive bar into two separate struts allows for more flexible spatial arrangement within the outer shaft, optimizing the use of available space and creating room for additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive bar struts are positioned laterally inward of the flanges, utilizing the radial dimension more efficiently and maximizing the longitudinal space available for other components within the forceps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and optimizes space for other components within the forceps, enhancing the overall efficiency and functionality of the surgical device.
Implementation Method 1
The drive bar can receive the drive pin (camming or cam pin) and translate the drive pin along the cam slots to transition the forceps between a closed position and an open position.
Data Source
AI summary
A forceps having a first jaw and a second jaw, where at least one of the first and second jaws is capable of moving between an open position and a closed positions. The forceps including an inner shaft located within an outer shaft and extending along the longitudinal axis, and a drive bar coupled to and extending distally from the inner shaft. The drive bar including a pair of drive bar struts extending from a distal portion of the inner shaft and positioned laterally inward of at least one of first and second set of flanges of the first and second jaws. A drive pin is securable to the pair of drive bar struts and the drive bar is translatable within the outer shaft to translate the drive pin to move the first jaw and/or the second jaw between open and closed positions.